OXFORD,
Ohio - February is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
the United States. It has taken on even more meaning for the Miami University
women's basketball family this season as sophomore point guard Courtney Larson's
mother is currently fighting strong against this deadly disease. The RedHawks
have been trying to raise money and awareness this past month with the pink
jersey auction and the rebound pledge drive, but Larson wanted to take it a
step further. She recently cut off eight and a half inches of her long hair and
donated it to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program.

"With my mom being sick, it is kind of a helpless
feeling," said Larson. "I wanted to do something to give back and I found the
Pantene Beautiful Length's program, which was perfect because it deals
specifically with women like my mom who have cancer."

One of the most disheartening things for women who have
cancer is when their hair begins to fall out due to chemotherapy or radiation
treatments. One issue is that wigs, especially ones made of real human hair,
can be extremely expensive. The Beautiful Locks program is a partnership
between the Pantene and the American Cancer Society that provides wigs free of
charge to women who cannot afford them.

"It had always been on my bucket list to donate my hair
at some point in my life," said Larson. "When my mom got sick it became an even
higher priority. Luckily my mom was able to afford a wig, but so many women can't.
Hopefully my hair will help make someone who is less fortunate feel a little
better during a tough time. This donation is really a thank you to all those
who give back."

More information on the Pantene Beautiful Length's
program can be found by clicking here. Fans can also help by bidding on the
RedHawks' pink jerseys that they wore the past three home games. All 12 player
jerseys, along with a pair of alternate jerseys (#21 and #23) are available to
bid on through Tuesday (Feb. 26) at 5 p.m.

The auction features a three-minute rolling deadline, which means
it will conclude once no bids have been placed for three consecutive minutes
after the deadline has been reached.

Bidding takes place on the Miami athletic website's auction
page, which can be found by clicking here.